Spring Plumbing Tips

Spring is just around the corner, and while your spring cleaning might already be underway, you may not have thought about spring cleaning in the case of your plumbing. Not only will you want to ensure everything is running smoothly after the harsh winter, a new season brings new plumbing concerns, so you’ll want to make sure you protect your home against the seasonal changes.Repair LeaksAre any of your faucets leaking? What about the toilet? You’ll be able to spot faucet leaks easily, but you can determine if your toilet is leaking by adding a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and waiting about half an hour; you’ll see color in the bowl if there are leaks. Take care of leaks now to avoid excessive charges on your water bill. Also check any appliances like your washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Are there any leaks in the hoses? If there is a lot of wear and tear, install stainless steel hoses if you can. Clean your DrainsSnake your drains. It’s easy for bathroom drains to get clogged with hair; put stoppers in your drains to prevent that problem in the future. Pour water into drains that aren’t used often to prevent odors coming into your home. While you’re pouring water in your drains, dump water into the sump pit (if you have a sump pump) to make sure it’s working properly. Clean Shower HeadsYou probably regularly scrub your bathtub to rid it of soap scum, but how often do you scrub your shower head? Unscrew it and soak it in vinegar to loosen mineral deposits. Leave it sit overnight, and scrub it the next day.Check your Water HeaterYou probably haven’t looked at your water heater in several months. Now is the time to adjust the temperature setting as a new season approaches. You’ll also want to drain a few gallons from the tank to flush out sediment-causing corrosion. Sediment will wear your heater faster and make it run less efficiently.Install a Backflow ValveIf sewers often back up into homes in the area you live, you might want to consider installing a backflow valve; it’ll help prevent future backups.Get a Flood AlarmSure, you’ve heard of smoke alarms, but have you heard of a flood alarm? If floods are common in your area, a flood alarm is a good idea. It will sound if it comes in contact with water.As you cross these items off your list, don’t forget to check on the outside of your home! Clean out your gutters and yard drains, make sure there are no birds’ nests blocking important pipes, and check for leaks in outdoor faucets. If you need any help, Finken is here for you! Give us a call for all your plumbing needs.